Former TPP Chairman Ko Wen-je released on bail in corruption case

TAIPEI -- Former Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je was released on bail of NT$70 million ($2.29 million), the Taipei District Court ruled on Friday.

Taipei City Councilor Ying Hsiao-wei was also granted bail of NT$30 million new Taiwan dollars. Both were restricted from leaving Taiwan or traveling by sea, confined to their registered residences, prohibited from contacting co-defendants or uncalled witnesses, and placed under electronic monitoring.

Ko has been detained since Sept 5 last year on suspicion of involvement in corruption related to a real estate project during his tenure as mayor of Taipei.

Ko was indicted in late December with suspected bribery, profiteering, misappropriation of political contributions and breach of trust. The total requested sentence is 28 years and 6 months in prison.

A total of 11 suspects, including Ko, have been prosecuted.